What is Southworking: working from the South for Northern companies in Smart Working

Carefree woman enjoying the view from a terrace of beach cabin.
Article contents

In recent years we have witnessed a profound change in the way of working: more and more people have chosen to move to Southern Italy, continuing to carry out their duties remotely for companies located in the North.
A phenomenon known as South working, which has opened up new prospects for both workers and businesses.

Savings, flexibility and quality of life These are just some of the factors that have pushed many to make this choice, while companies today find themselves faced with a model that changes the boundaries of work and makes them more fluid.

But let's start with the basics.

Southworking in brief

What is southworking?

Southworking is a remote working modality in which the employee, hired by a company based in the North or abroad, works permanently from Southern Italy. It is an organizational choice that allows to reconcile digital work with residence in less urbanized and often cheaper territories.

Where does the concept of southworking come from?

The term emerged during the pandemic, when many workers decided to return to their places of origin, keeping their jobs remotely. Over time, it has become a structured solution, also supported by public initiatives and associations that promote the return of talent to the South.

Is southworking a new form of work?

It is not a new contractual form, but an existing geographic modality of remote work. Southworking uses digital technologies to decentralize skills and reduce the need for physical presence in the company, while maintaining the same levels of productivity.

Why do Northern companies hire through smart working?

Many companies in Northern Italy have started to evaluate positively the possibility of collaborating with employees who work remotely from the South. The main reasons are practical and economical. First of all, smart working allows a significant cost reduction, for example related to offices, transport and logistics.
Secondly, it allows you to access a larger talent pool, often highly qualified, who would not have moved to work on site. Finally, the operational flexibility increases efficiency and makes it easier to adapt to unexpected situations.

What are the advantages for those who work from the South?

For many professionals, working remotely from Southern Italy has represented a significant life change. The possibility of staying close to one's family, in a context that is often more relaxed than the large cities of the North, translates into a better quality of life.

In addition, housing and general costs are significantly lower, allowing for a concrete monthly saving. Southworking also allows for recover the bond with one's own territory, often abandoned in the past for work reasons.

How to find smart working job offers

Finding a job remotely is easier today than it was a few years ago, thanks to the growth of online platforms specialized sites such as UCV.online and greater openness on the part of companies. There are portals that publish new smart working opportunities daily, specifying the type of contract and the possibility of working from anywhere in Italy, Including the South.

If you are looking for new opportunities, remember to filter your search so that you have a selection of theSmart working job offers in Italy for example using keywords such as “remote”, “smart working”, “work from home”. The fundamental thing is to always be careful when evaluating offers.

The critical issues and challenges of SouthWorking

Despite its many advantages, Southworking also has different difficulties that cannot be ignored. In many areas of the South, the digital infrastructure are still inadequate, with slow or unstable connections that can compromise productivity.
Additionally, working remotely can lead to a sense of professional insulation, especially in the absence of physical interactions with colleagues or superiors.

Another challenge concerns the possibility of growth: those who work away from the office are at risk of being less involved in decision-making processes or advancement opportunities.

Everything you need to know about SouthWorking

What is the difference between smart working and south working?

Lo smart working It is a flexible way of working that allows you to carry out your activities from any place. The South workinginstead, it is one Geographical variant of smart working, in which the worker chooses to operate from Southern Italy, even though they have a contract with a company based elsewhere, often in the North.

Do I need a different contract to work in southworking?

No, you don't need a specific contract. Most workers in Southworking work with a normal employee contract o collaboration, provided that the conditions allow the activity to be carried out remotely. It is important that the working methods, hours and tools made available are clear.

Can you ask to work from the South even in a multinational?

Yes, many multinationals have now adopted policies of flexible work that allow employees to choose the place from which to operate, as long as the results and objectives are respected. It is always necessary to consult with the employer to obtain formal authorization.

Are there incentives for those who return to the South to work?

In some cases, yes. Some regional and state programs provide tax or contribution incentives for those who decide to return to the South and work remotely. Conditions vary by region and type of employment.

Which professions are best suited to southworking?

The professions most suited to Southworking are those that are based on digital skills o activities that can be managed online, Including:

  • web and software developers
  • graphic designers and designers
  • digital marketers
  • project manager
  • customer service operators
  • business consultants or freelancers
Follow us on Telegram